Hibiscus possesses many potential benefits due to its rich antioxidant content. Its consumption may specifically aid in weight loss, inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and bacteria, and boost the well-being of both the heart and liver.
Hibiscus can be found in the form of an extract, but it is more commonly consumed as tea. This herbal tea is prepared by steeping various parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water. Its taste is sour akin to cranberries and can be relished both warm and chilled.
Hibiscus encompasses many species, which differ based on their growing conditions, yet Hibiscus sabdariffa is the primary choice for brewing hibiscus tea. Scientific studies suggest that hibiscus tea consumption can provide an array of health advantages, such as decreasing blood pressure, limiting bacteria proliferation, and potentially assisting weight management.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus sabdariffa is a consumable bloom-bearing plant that originates from certain parts of Africa and Asia, yet is also grown in Mexico and Central America. It is a misconception that the petals are edible, as it is actually the calyxes that are consumed. These are the sepals of the flower that serve many purposes, including safeguarding the buds and petals.
Hibiscus, also referred to as roselle, sorrel, or zobo, is primarily consumed as tea. To make hibiscus tea, the dried red calyxes of the plant are steeped in hot or cold water. Nevertheless, the dried calyxes are extensively used in cooking as well, such as in the production of hibiscus syrup, jam, and vegan tacos.
Using dried hibiscus is another way to enhance both taste and appearance of beverages. The red calyxes, situated below the flower, have abundant levels of anthocyanins, a red-blue pigment that imparts the beautiful deep red hue to hibiscus and also displays antioxidant characteristics.
The floral taste of hibiscus offers a blend of sweet, fruity, and tart flavors. It has been likened to the taste of cranberries, yet with a flowery essence.
The presence of antioxidants in hibiscus can be beneficial in shielding your cells from harm caused by free radicals. Free radicals are known to cause damage and illness, and the potent antioxidants found in hibiscus can assist in preventing these issues.
An experiment conducted on individuals with Marfan syndrome, a condition impacting connective tissue, demonstrated that an intravenous administration of hibiscus extract lessened oxidative stress and raised levels of antioxidants in the bloodstream.
Similarly, an animal research demonstrated that rats were shielded against cell destruction through hibiscus extract; nevertheless, concentrated doses of hibiscus extract were used in these researches instead of hibiscus tea. Additional investigation is necessary to determine the effect of hibiscus tea antioxidants on humans.
Research on animals has established that hibiscus extract possesses qualities of an antioxidant. Nonetheless, further investigation is required to ascertain how these findings apply to humans.
Hibiscus tea is impressive and famous for its potential to decrease blood pressure. Prolonged high blood pressure can place additional pressure on the heart, leading to its deterioration. Moreover, high blood pressure can increase the possibility of heart disease.
Numerous researches indicate that hibiscus tea could bring down both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
A study involving 46 individuals with high blood pressure demonstrated that those who drank hibiscus tea experienced a more significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to those who were given a placebo after one month.
Similarly, a 2015 review of five studies found that hibiscus tea decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 7.58 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and 3.53 mmHg, respectively.
According to Lorencz, the hibiscus calyx contains a particular substance that triggers the release of nitric oxide from cells in blood vessels, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. A recent study published in Molecules in 2021 revealed that taking supplements of hibiscus and lemon verbena (also known as Lippia citriodora) could reduce blood pressure markers in those with prehypertension or type 1 hypertension.
Although hibiscus tea may be a safe and natural means of lowering blood pressure, individuals taking medication for high blood pressure should avoid consuming it due to potential drug interactions.
Hibiscus tea has been found to potentially decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure according to certain studies. Nevertheless, it should not be consumed together with blood pressure medication to avoid any potential interactions.
Along with its ability to decrease blood pressure, hibiscus tea has been shown in some studies to potentially enhance blood lipid levels, which may also contribute to the development of heart disease.
In a small-scale research conducted in 2009, a group of 60 individuals suffering from diabetes were administered either hibiscus tea or black tea. By the end of one month, the results showed that those who had consumed hibiscus tea recorded elevated levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and low levels of total cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides.
A previous study conducted on individuals with metabolic syndrome revealed that a daily intake of 100 milligrams of hibiscus extract resulted in reduced total cholesterol levels and improved HDL cholesterol levels.
In 2022, a study discovered that hibiscus tea proved to be more efficient in reducing LDL cholesterol levels in comparison to other types of tea or a placebo. Despite this, contradicting outcomes have arisen from various studies regarding hibiscus tea’s influence on blood cholesterol.
It was found that hibiscus tea did not have a notable effect on total cholesterol or triglyceride levels, according to an analysis of 7 studies involving 362 participants. However, studies that demonstrated the positive impact of hibiscus tea on blood fat levels were mainly confined to individuals with precise health conditions like metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
Further extensive research is required to establish the potential impacts of hibiscus tea on the cholesterol and triglyceride levels of the general public.
There is evidence suggesting that hibiscus tea could potentially lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in individuals with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, based on some studies. Nevertheless, conflicting outcomes have emerged from other research. Extensive investigations in the broader community are necessary to further explore these findings.
The liver performs crucial functions, such as protein production, secretion of bile, and fat breakdown that contribute to one’s overall well-being. Surprisingly, research indicates that hibiscus has the potential to boost liver health and support optimal liver function.
In a study conducted in 2014, involving 19 overweight individuals, it was discovered that consuming hibiscus extract for a period of 12 weeks had a positive effect on liver steatosis. This medical condition is identified by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver which could ultimately lead to liver failure.
Hibiscus extract has been shown to have potential liver-protective properties in hamsters. According to a study, treatment with hibiscus extract resulted in reduced indicators of liver damage. Additionally, in 2022, a different animal study stated that hibiscus extract could assist in the treatment of fatty liver disease in rats that were given a high-fat diet.
Nonetheless, hibiscus tea’s impact on liver health remains uncertain as all the conducted investigations centered around hibiscus extract. Consequently, additional research is imperative to determine the effects of hibiscus tea on the human liver. Past animal and human experiments indicate that hibiscus extract might enhance the liver’s well-being by decreasing liver harm and enhancing the fatty liver condition.
Numerous investigations propose that the consumption of hibiscus tea might be connected to shedding excess weight and potentially provide protective measures against obesity.
During a 2014 study involving 36 overweight individuals, either hibiscus extract or a placebo was consumed by the participants. Upon completion of the 12-week study, those who had ingested hibiscus extract demonstrated decreases in body weight, body fat, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio.
Research on animals showed that hibiscus extract can assist in decreasing body weight and appetite by inhibiting the buildup of fat cells. Current research has only used concentrated doses of hibiscus extract. Further studies are necessary to ascertain the effects of hibiscus tea on human weight loss.
Although there have been some human and animal studies linking hibiscus extract intake with a reduction in body weight and fat, further investigation is required to confirm its effectiveness.
6. Contains anti-inflammatory properties
According to Kelsey Lorencz, RD, a nutrition advisor at Fin vs. Fin, anthocyanins possess potent anti-inflammatory properties and are linked to averting cancer and diabetes.
An article published in the Food & Nutrition Research journal in 2017 stated that anthocyanins have the ability to decrease inflammation, which has been linked to the development of diseases like cancer. Furthermore, anthocyanins are potential anti-angiogenic agents because they can prevent the formation of new blood vessels that supply oxygen to tumor cells.
7. May reduce blood lipid levels
The primary constituents of your blood lipids are LDL cholesterol, which is commonly referred to as bad cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, which is considered good, and triglycerides, which can elevate the risk of heart disease. According to StatPearls, dyslipidemia is a health condition that can cause heart disease and is illustrated by the imbalance of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy journal published a review in 2018 regarding the medicinal properties of hibiscus, which found that hibiscus extract can reduce LDL and triglyceride levels without influencing HDL levels. The ability of hibiscus to lower blood lipids may have a beneficial impact on fatty liver disease.
8. May help with blood sugar
According to MedlinePlus, diabetes mellitus is a persistent condition that disrupts the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels. The three forms of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
More than one in ten Americans are affected by Type 2 diabetes, which can result in various health problems such as kidney, liver, and vision damage due to chronic elevations in blood sugar levels. A study published in 2022 by Pharmaceuticals revealed promising outcomes of hibiscus tea in regulating blood sugar levels, although further studies are required to establish a definitive correlation.
Potential Side Effects
Consuming hibiscus in moderate amounts in tea and food is regarded as safe (2 to 4 cups per day). Yet, Kristin Draayer, M.S., RDN, warns that toxicity may occur with high consumption. Moreover, Draayer points out that hibiscus can have interactions with specific medications, particularly those used to manage high blood pressure or diabetes.
It’s advised by Lorencz that hibiscus be stayed away from while pregnant, breastfeeding, or before surgery due to its ability to lower blood pressure. Overconsumption of hibiscus can lead to dehydration, as it can affect the body’s urine production. It’s crucial to speak with a medical professional prior to introducing new dietary components.
Making Hibiscus Tea at Home
Hibiscus tea bags can be found in some grocery stores, specialty tea shops, or online. To make hibiscus tea at home with disposable tea bags, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have dried calyxes, the easiest way to make a cup of hibiscus tea is to use a stainless-steel tea infuser. Another way is to cover 1 tablespoon of dried hibiscus with 8 ounces of boiled water and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Once steeped, use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the tea and remove any solids.
To determine your preferred strength, the steeping time will vary. We suggest tasting every five minutes. Observing the depth of color can also assist in determining the readiness of your hibiscus tea.
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There are several health advantages connected to Hibiscus tea, which is a variety of herbal tea. It can be conveniently produced and savored in your own home, and has a delightful sharp taste. Research conducted on animals and test tubes has shown that hibiscus might assist in weight loss, enhance the functioning of the heart and liver, and also decrease the growth of bacteria and cancer cells.
According to research, the hibiscus plant’s antioxidants possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer qualities. Moreover, hibiscus tea presents encouraging prospects for improving health by lowering blood pressure, stabilizing blood sugar, and reducing blood lipid levels.
Although hibiscus tea is a delightful drink to warm up or cool down on a hot or cold day, it cannot be claimed as a panacea until further studies are undertaken.
The majority of the present research involves utilizing considerable amounts of hibiscus extract in test-tube and animal investigations. Further research is required to establish whether the advantages can be observed in individuals who consume hibiscus tea.